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  2. PHYSICS 150

Philosophy and Foundations of Probability
PHYSICS 150

Course Information

Description

This course is officially cross-listed with the Department of Philosophy.

An introduction to the history of probability and outstanding questions in the philosophy of probability. Topics will include objective chance, subjective credence, the measure-theoretic treatment of probability, Bayesian epistemology, decision theory, and the relationship between probability and causation. Possible additional topics: information and entropy, de Finetti's theorem, random variables, imprecise probabilities, conceptual tools for statistics, and the use of probability in science and in the philosophy of religion. 

Course Notes

The course is aimed at philosophy students as well as students from the sciences and other areas. Homework may involve readings, essay prompts, and some mathematical exercises.

School Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Physics
Course Component Lecture
Subject Physics
Grading Basis FAS Letter Graded
General Education N/A
Quantitative Reasoning with Data N/A
Divisional Distribution N/A
Course Level Primarily for Undergraduate Students